Nikeh's Other Profession

Huh? Something wrong, Nikeh?

It's a letter, addressed to me. Must be a job request.

A letter for work? What kind of work do you do?

I'd rather not say... It's not the sort of profession that one should speak of in public...

That's why your clients contact you in secret, huh?

Correct. My apologies, but it's better if I act alone until I've complete this assignment.

Hey, don't be like that. I'd like a chance to pay you back and help you out for a change.

I couldn't ask that of you...

It's no trouble. Come on, we're friends, right?

Very well. You can assist me if you wish. The client wishes to meet us in a back alley here in Ratle. We should discuss terms before we start.

Ah, so you are the one I've heard so much about.

Nikeh, at your service.

I have a problem that requires your...unique skillset. My darling daughter has been abducted! And I know exactly who's to blame for it. She was taken by a young punk. He's well known in these parts as a ruffian and layabout, but this time he's gone too far! My request is for you to retrieve my daughter and bring down judgement... Or rather, grant eternal rest to the guilty.

Whoa, wait just a minute! You want us to kill someone? There's no need to go that far. Can't we just rescue your daughter and bring her home?

Are you soft in the head, boy? Why would I hire a master assassin like the Flower of Death if I were looking for a peaceful resolution?

A-Assassin?

Nothing can survive Nikeh's Dance of Death, so the rumors say. Once she has you in her sights, all you can do is make peace and wait for the end.

You flatter me. But yes, it's true.

......

That punk and my daughter were last seen heading toward Vasu Mountain. It shouldn't take you long to catch up.

I see. I believe I have a full grasp on the situation. Before I accept this job, I must first ask you a question of utmost importance. Have you been telling me the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?

O-Of course! I have no reason to lie to you.

If you have tried to deceive me in any way, death will not be kind to you...

Preposterous! I tell you, I am not lying. I swear it on Salamander's flames!

Then you have yourself a deal. Pray, do not forget the terms of this contract.

So you're really an assassin, Nikeh?

Everything he said about me is true. Do you hate me for it? I realize your morals and mine aren't exactly compatible.

Maybe we should put that question aside for now. We have bigger things to worry about.

Finding and saving the girl has to come first.

I agree. We'll head to Vasu Mountain and see what there is to be seen.

Uh, hi. What are you guys doing in a place like this?

We're looking for someone. Did a young man and woman pass this way?

They're probably around the same age as you. Have you seen them?

...!

So, he sent you after us! Blast it all! We can't get caught now, or it will all have been for naught. Good thing I thought ahead. See how you deal with these guys!

Looks like he got away in all the confusion.

He won't get far. Don't forget, he's not alone. Traveling with a hostage will slow him down.

Hey, Nikeh... Are you really planning to...you know? He ran away just at the sight of us. We can probably just rough him up a little...

The man who hired me wishes him gone. Such things are not entered into lightly. I wasn't hired to "rough him up a little." This is a matter of professional pride.

And you're fine with that? You don't mind taking people's lives as long as you get paid?

I do not do this job because I enjoy it.

Why, then?!

I get that. I don't like it, but you had no choice back then. But you have one now. You don't have to live like this.

If only that were true...

Let's just find this kidnapper. He'll get away if we stand here talking all day.

Yes, of course. We can talk more after I finish this hit...

Not you again! I thought those monsters would have pitched you into a lava pool by now... What do I do? Is this the end?

Stop!

And who might you be?

Don't hurt him, he hasn't done anything wrong. You've been fed a bunch of lies by my father!

Wait, you're that guy's daughter? The one that got abducted?

No one abducted me!

That's right! I'd never do such a thing.

This man and I... We're lovers. But my father doesn't approve, that's where all the trouble started. Our only choice was to run away together...

It's the truth, honest. Can't you just let us go?

I'm afraid not. My client swore an oath that his version of events was the truth. I must carry out my contract and send this man to his eternal rest...

No, please, I beg of you! It's all a misunderstanding!

Don't do it, Nikeh! We need to stop and think about this. I believe what these two are saying.

People will say anything to escape death. I know that all too well. The bite of my blade is the only truth we can rely on!

Stand aside. If you try to protect this man, I won't hesitate to strike you both down.

Please... Please, don't do this...

Nikeh, stop it! You're about to cut down two innocent people!

This blade has bathed in the blood of countless lives. These two will be nothing more than another drop in that ocean. Guilty, innocent, all are equal in death!

No! Nikeh! Noooooo!

Uuurgh!

Yaaargh!

......

I suppose I should thank you for seeing this job through with me to the end.

Right...

All that remains is to report back to my client. I'll need you as a witness.

Ah, Nikeh. How did it go? Have you put an end to that punk?

As if there were ever any doubt I would. The monsters in Vasu are no doubt picking his bones clean as we speak.

Wonderful! It's nothing less than what he deserved. Now, what about my daughter?

We did meet a woman claiming to be your daughter. I killed her.

Wh-What?!

She begged for the ruffian's life, even tried to save him from me. A kidnapping victim would never behave that way, so I knew she couldn't be your child. I dispatched them both together.

What is the meaning of this? That was my daughter! She ran away to elope with that worthless bum.

Is that so... That's not what you told me when we formed our contract.

But I... I didn't think you'd... I only wanted him gone... I never thought this would happen...

Why did my precious child have to die as well?!

You should have listened to me. I told you death would not be kind if you tried to fool me with lies.

Now, I must be going.

Are you done?

Yes. This job has been put to rest.

Nikeh, I've got to know... What made you change your mind in the end?

No! Nikeh! Noooooo!

Uuurgh!

Yaaargh!

How interesting. It appears you have been telling the truth after all. Leave this place. Go wherever your hearts guide you. I will take steps to make sure you're not followed.

You're...letting us go?

Thank you! A thousand times, thank you! The spirits must be looking out for us.

People may lie in an attempt to save themselves, but they can't keep it up in the face of certain death. Right up to the moment before my blade struck, they didn't try to escape. They held each other and waited for the end together.

Oh, and that told you their feelings for each other were the real deal. But if they had been lying, would you still...

I wouldn't have withdrawn my blade. That's just as much a part of my policy. If my clients are truthful with me, I always get the job done. Be careful that you don't attract powerful enemies that would want you...removed.

Uh, yeah. I'll do my best. Heh heh heh...